Article Abstract:
A review of the literature on the mental health status of Puerto Ricans and members of other Hispanic groups who are living in the United States was undertaken. Although this topic has been the focus of research for three decades, a comprehensive understanding of the mental health of this group has not yet been achieved. As a group, Puerto Ricans living in this country (and in New York City especially) have higher than average rates of mental disorders. Early research in this area first identified the language barrier and poverty as significant factors in the development of mental illness in this group. In addition to social stressors, an increased rate of mental illness in migratory populations has been suggested as a contributing factor. Another aspect which has not been fully explored is the two frequently observed forms of mental illness among Puerto Ricans, 'nervios' and 'ataques de nervios'. Nervios is a chronic condition characterized by a general sense of distress as a response to different life stresses. The symptoms are largely psychosomatic and include headaches, heart palpitations, and chest pain. Ataques de nervios is a specific response to a stressful event and may be triggered by grief, fear, or family tensions. Attacks, or seizure-like episodes, are observed with ataques de nervios; they often occur at culturally appropriate times, such as at funerals or during family quarrels. This behavior is culturally acceptable, and although it has been investigated by both anthropologists and mental health professionals, ataques de nervios is still poorly understood. The results of research identify the role of culture as a strong influential factor in response style within this population group. Few of the current methods available for investigation adequately address the cultural issues involved. Cultural effects need to be taken into consideration when evaluating the mental health of Puerto Ricans in this country, and modification of some existing methodology is recommended to better assess this group. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
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Article Abstract:
Stuttering refers to repetition or prolongation of sounds, making speech difficult to understand. Largely due to efforts not to stutter, the so-called secondary symptoms of stuttering, such as tremors of the lips and jaws, are particularly distressing. Common (or developmental) stuttering is usually first seen in childhood or adolescence; it affects about 1 percent of the adult population and is more common among males than females. Acquired stuttering, a rarer form of stuttering, is usually of sudden onset in adulthood, and results from trauma or illness such as head injury or stroke. One way to distinguish between the two, is to have a patient read a sentence several times over. Called the adaptation effect, common stutters will improve each time, while suffers of acquired stuttering will not. Drug treatment of stuttering has been varied. Early attempts were made by administering carbon dioxide, stimulants, and sedatives. Clearly, the approaches were contradictory and reflected individual beliefs of the origin of the disorder. Since then several other drug classes have been tried to control stuttering with some success, but most drug trials lack adequate experimental designs. The most promising research to date has been done with verapamil, a calcium channel blocker effective in reducing muscle spasms, and haloperidol, an anti-psychotic drug. More controlled studies are needed, which employ sound experimental designs. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
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Article Abstract:
The history of the National Institute of Mental Health is inextricably intertwined with the history of American mental health. Since its establishment in 1942, the institute has been determining and influencing the care and treatment of the mentally ill in the country. It has supported scientific fields related to psychiatric research, established training networks for mental health professionals and developed the existing public mental health treatment system.
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